City move up to second in the table ahead of local rivals Birmingham City with derby victory at Wast Hills Training Ground...

Coventry City Under-18s produced a mature display at Wast Hills Training Ground to record an impressive victory over Birmingham City.

The Sky Blues looked strong throughout and second-half goals from Bassala Sambou and Jordan Shipley sealed the three points before a late consulation from Corey O'Keefe for the home side.

The two sides went into the game level on points with Birmingham second in the table and City third. With Huddersfield's win over Barnsley on Friday night, both sides were desperate for three points to keep within touching distance.

Kyle Spence was denied early on as Blues keeper Jake Weaver came out quickly to deny the winger at his feet after a neat one-two with George Thomas in the 11th minute.

Blues' best chance of the half came just two minutes later as David Poppa was released down the left but his powerful, low effort was well saved by Jake Richards.

Jason Farndon's side continued to work their way into the game and should have took the lead with 25 minutes on the clock. George Thomas' right-sided corner created havoc in the area and Kyle Barnett's goal-bound effort was cleared off the line in the melee.

City continued to push forward and were rewarded for their efforts four minutes after the break. It was another set-piece which the home side failed to defend and Sambou pounced to find the top corner from 10 yards out.

It was up to the home side to chase the game and City began to look more dangerous on the counter-attack. In the 59th minute, City raced forward and Devon Kelly-Evans' cross was spilt by the Blues keeper but Thomas could only hit the post from the edge of the area.

The home side piled more bodies forward but City sealed the win with six minutes remaining after great endeavour from Jacob Whitmore. He won the ball back in Blues' half and slid substitute Jordan Shipley in behind to slot home City's second.

Birmingham got a goal back two minutes into injury time as O'Keefe headed home a corner at the back-post but City now move up to second in the table, three points behind Huddersfield Town.

City Under-18s coach Jason Farndon said: "It was a great performance and I'm delighted with the result considering it is our first game after the Christmas break.

"We were tactically aware today and it is the best I've seen the two centre-backs, Cian Harries and Kyle Barnett, play with each other.

"Birmingham are a really good side so it puts us in a good place going into Wednesday's game against Manchester City in the FA Youth Cup.

"The boys have shown they're ready for the fight here today. It's a 2-1 win in a local derby, we can't complain."